Religious Dimension
Heroes of the Church.
A Hero is someone we can look up to because they have done something really brave and good. We may even think of people wearing capes who can fly and have superhero powers. But there are also everyday heroes, or role models, like our parents, friends, or even teachers who we might consider as heroes.
I went to visit my parents yesterday for a cuppa and cake. They are in their eighties and my dad has Parkinson's. I could tell from a phone call over the weekend that my mum was struggling a bit. “Some days are good and others are hard going, '' she told me. She shared with me that she often channelled her mum, my grandmother, for strength as she was her hero who never complained but did it tough.
Our Catholic faith has lots of heroes too. We call these people ‘Saints” and we can look up to them. Some of them may be people in our family that have died and gone to heaven. Others have been picked out officially by the Church - we call this ‘canonisation’.
Many saints did amazing things during their lifetime. They were all people like you and me and they possessed lots of wonderful good qualities in their CHARACTER.
These good qualities are called VIRTUES! They were generous because they cared for the poor and sick. They were kind and charitable because they loved each person, even those who disliked them. They were honest, courageous and fearless and were not afraid to express their love of God.
Mary MacKillop's Feast Day is held every August 8th, in honour of the revered Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop. She was the first Saint of Australia, and her influence in the country has spread far and wide. She is recognised for her commitment to the poor, helping those who needed it the most in any way she could.
A message from Pope Francis for our elderly, our heroes.
For the Elderly – The Pope Video 07 – July 2022
Jenny Young